MOSES LAKE — Job seekers will find a lot to choose from at the 31st annual Big Bend Community College Job and Career Fair on Thursday.

The event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will have employers on hand to talk about the jobs they have available, as well as agencies that help folks find jobs and educational opportunities, according to BBCC spokesman Matt Killebrew.

“It is the largest employment event in Grant County that puts potential employees and employers in the same room together under one roof,” Killebrew said.

As of April 4, there were 45 employers registered, from the government, health care, hospitality and manufacturing sectors, among others, as well as a dozen BBCC programs that can help potential employees gain whatever skills they need to get the job they want, Killebrew said. He added that there are usually at least a few more employers who register late.

Also present will be representatives from Columbia Basin Job Corps, OIC of Washington, SkillSource, WorkSource Central Basin and Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Vocational Rehabilitation, all agencies that either provide training or can steer attendees to where they can get it.

“We've had potential employees hired directly on the spot at these things,” Killebrew said. “So it can be a life-changing event for some folks. Also, there are some who have come and found out that they needed a little more education to get the jobs that they want, and it's put them on the path to getting that education.”

The event is open to the public, not just BBCC students, Killebrew said. It’s a good idea, but not necessary, to bring a resume so potential employers can see what attendees have to offer. 

“We like to put them in the same room and let them have face-to-face interaction and learn firsthand what they need, whether it's just to apply and they're already qualified, or what further education they might need in order to be employed with those companies,” he said.

Joel Martin may be reached via email at jmartin@columbiabasinherald.com.

BBCC Job and Career Fair exhibitors

Bud Clary Motors

Chelan County PUD

City of Moses Lake

Grant County PUD

People For People

WA State Dept of Corrections- Coyote Ridge

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake

Charter Vocational College

Express Employment Professionals

Job Corps/US Forest Services Dept of Agriculture

Moses Lake School District

Total Employment and Management

Confluence Health

Basin Massage School & Integrative Studies Inc

Beneficial In Home Care

CBHA Columbia Basin Health Association

Columbia Basin Hospital

Family Resource Home Care

Genesis Healthcare- Columbia Crest and Lake Ridge Center

Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center

Omni Staffing

Providence Medical

Samaritan Healthcare

Gorge Concerts/Live Nation

Hamilton Price, Inc. (Michael's Group)

Aerotec

Anderson Hay & Grain Co. Inc.

Beef Northwest Feeders

Boeing Inc.

Genie Industries/Terex

Group14 Technology 

International Paper Co.

Lamb Weston

McCain Foods

Moses Lake Industries

National Frozen Foods

REC Group

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, LLC

Sila Nanotechnology

Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District

Education & Training Resource Partners 

Columbia Basin Job Corps

OIC of Washington 

SkillSource 

WA State DSHS Vocational Rehabilitation 

WorkSource Central Basin (ESD) 

BBCC Programs

Agriculture Technology

Allied Healthcare

Automotive Technology

Aviation Maintenance Technology

BAS-Applied Management Degree

Business Information BIM

Childcare/Learning Center

Computer Science Technology

Criminal Justice Program

Manufacturing Process Technologies

Welding Technology

Workforce Education Services (WES)